Review:
I used to think I didn’t like books about angels, period. But then I read this one.
See, I don’t like when angels, as a whole species, are portrayed as cruel, terrible creatures. I also don’t like angel-demon wars with a broad scope that are more focused on good versus evil with martyrs for characters. But this book was neither of those things.
This book was about the characters, plain and simple. It was tightly focused on Izzy and Asher (who was a bit stalkerish but otherwise good) and their lives, their desires, and their emotions—just how I like my books.
Also, these angels weren’t guardians or warriors, they were reapers. They could do some battling if they had to, but their real job was to harvest the souls of those who die and send them off. I had never read about reapers before, but it turns out I find them a lot more interesting.
Now, moving on from my likes and dislikes when it comes to angels… this book was hilarious! You would think that, the love interest being the Angel of Death and all, it wouldn’t be funny, but it really was. Some of the scenes themselves were just fantastic, but each character was also funny in his or her own way, whether it was their sarcasm, teasing, jokes, behavior, or genuine thoughts. And because I can’t resist sharing some quotes… (The first two are Izzy’s POV, the second two are Asher’s.)
[Inside Walmart]
“Iz, are you talking to yourself again?” Well, crap. I looked like a lunatic standing there talking to herself. Gwen couldn’t see Asher. [. . .]
“Just trying to blend in,” I answered casually.
I tried to shove Asher away, but it was like moving stone. He intended to comfort me, and by God he was going to do it. Whether I wanted him to, or not.
Taking great handfuls of his dark hair, she commenced to bash his head into the ground. Repeatedly. Such a delicate little flower.
But Grim (aka the grim reaper) was the most hilarious one of all. I loved him! He was cocky and playful and deranged and messed up in the head, but he owned it. He is who he is, so he just does his thing.
Above me, blood and feathers fell nearly as heavily as the rain which lashed us. Clearly, Grim was keeping himself busy. He loved a battle. I could hear him laughing as he fought. Crazy bastard.
I also liked the dual POV and was happy that the two voices actually sounded different. It brought a good balance and perspective to the story.
What I didn’t like so much though was that I wasn’t sure what exactly the characters were trying to achieve by the end. Maybe it’s a personal preference, but I like to know the goal in books, otherwise I feel like I’m meandering. I also would’ve liked more angst, but that’s definitely a personal preference. If you’re tired of angst, you’ll be happy to know the characters in this book are quite well-adjusted 😛 There were also a few YA tropes, like the mean girl at school. But none of these were overwhelming or major issues.
Overall it was a book I enjoyed enough to continue the series, especially since I loved the humor and couldn’t resist knowing what would happen to these characters next!
Recommended For:
Anyone who likes YA paranormal romance and a healthy dose of humor in their books.
More Books in the Series:
Book Review: Wings of Darkness (The Immortal Sorrows Book 1) by Sherri A. Wingler
Book Review: Wings of Shadow (The Immortal Sorrows Book 2) by Sherri A. Wingler
I know exactly what you mean when you mention you thought you didn’t like angel and demon stories as for the same reasons you listed they aren’t my favourite, but there are some really well done angel and demon stories out there that do handle the topic well. i would recommend Unearthly by Cynthia Hand and the Georgine Kincaid series by Richelle Mead, my favourite angel and demon series respectively.
I like the sound of this one and how it’s focussed on the characters, their lives and emotions. And that’s an interesting twist on the topic with how the angels are actually reapers. And it’s great when the voices in a dual pov are different and have a different feel from each other. Great review!
Ooh I’ll have to check those recommendations out 🙂
Yeah, I’m definitely interested in reading more stories about reapers! But who knows, maybe it’ll just end up being this series specifically that I like. It’s so funny, and yes, I hate when the different POVs sound the same, so that was definitely a good thing about this book. Thanks!
O…M…G a book about the Angel of Death!!! I wish I could post a selfi here now so you could see my idiotic grin 🙂 I agree that the whole good versus evil in angels book has been overdone so I’m glad this was more original and even funny. “YA paranormal romance and a healthy dose of humor in their books” yup that’s ME… me me me! and it has an ANGEL!!! I’m soooo reading it.! thanks for the review! 🙂
Haha that should be a new thing, selfie responses to blog posts 😛 I’m glad I could help you find a book you’re interested in! And the good news is, I liked the second book even better, and the third is going to be about Grim, and he’s even more entertaining than the Angel of Death. Anyway, you’ll have to let me know if you enjoy this one!
This sounds really good! I’m going to go check it out – I love snark!! And the Walmart quote!!! Sadly, so true… bwahahahahaha!!!! Great review!!!
I don’t think I’ll ever get over that Walmart quote, haha. I’m so glad someone else finds it as funny as I did! It’s definitely a fun book, you’ll have to let me know if you do end up reading and liking it 🙂
I actually like a good angel/demon story. But what I like even better? I well written character-driven story. So Wings of Darkness sounds like it’d be a book for me. I love the element of humor, and appreciate the quotes you shared. I can tell that humor plays a huge role. I am with you, though, on wanting a goal or point to the story. I read one recently where I was puzzled by the end because I couldn’t figure out what it was all for. I’m happy that the characters and humor made up for the lack of direction for the most part. Lovely review, Kristen!
Definitely, pretty much any type of story can win me over if the characters are good enough. I did like the reaper aspect of this one though, especially since I hadn’t read about reapers before. And the humor was so fun! I mean, I’d probably have rated it higher if I felt more sure of the goal, but I still enjoyed the book regardless. (Plus I’ve already read the second book, and that one did have a clear goal, so I can forgive the first book!) Thanks 🙂